Joshua 8:19
New International Version
As soon as he did this, the men in the ambush rose quickly from their position and rushed forward. They entered the city and captured it and quickly set it on fire.

New Living Translation
As soon as Joshua gave this signal, all the men in ambush jumped up from their position and poured into the town. They quickly captured it and set it on fire.

English Standard Version
And the men in the ambush rose quickly out of their place, and as soon as he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it. And they hurried to set the city on fire.

Berean Standard Bible
and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.

King James Bible
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire.

New King James Version
So those in ambush arose quickly out of their place; they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and they entered the city and took it, and hurried to set the city on fire.

New American Standard Bible
Then the men in ambush rose quickly from their place, and when he had reached out with his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it, and they quickly set the city on fire.

NASB 1995
The men in ambush rose quickly from their place, and when he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it, and they quickly set the city on fire.

NASB 1977
And the men in ambush rose quickly from their place, and when he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it; and they quickly set the city on fire.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the men in ambush rose quickly from their place, and when he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it, and they quickly set the city on fire.

Amplified Bible
The [men in] ambush emerged quickly from their [hiding] place, and when Joshua stretched out his hand they ran and entered the city and captured it, and quickly set the city on fire.

Christian Standard Bible
When he held out his hand, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They ran, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When he held out his hand, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They ran, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.

American Standard Version
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it; and they hasted and set the city on fire.

Contemporary English Version
the soldiers who had been hiding jumped up and ran into the town. They captured it and set it on fire.

English Revised Version
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it; and they hasted and set the city on fire.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The men who were hiding got up as soon as he stretched out his hand. They entered the city, captured it, and quickly set it on fire.

Good News Translation
and as soon as he lifted his hand, the men who had been hiding got up quickly, ran into the city and captured it. They immediately set the city on fire.

International Standard Version
As soon as he stretched out his hand, the troops in ambush quickly got up from their place of hiding and attacked. They entered the city, seized it, and immediately set it on fire.

Majority Standard Bible
and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.

NET Bible
When he held out his hand, the men waiting in ambush rose up quickly from their place and attacked. They entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.

New Heart English Bible
The ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it. They hurried and set the city on fire.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted, and set the city on fire.

World English Bible
The ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand and entered into the city and took it. They hurried and set the city on fire.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the ambush has risen [with] haste, out of its place, and they run at the stretching out of his hand, and go into the city, and capture it, and hurry, and burn the city with fire.

Young's Literal Translation
and the ambush hath risen with haste, out of its place, and they run at the stretching out of his hand, and go into the city, and capture it, and hasten, and burn the city with fire.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the ambush rose quickly from its place, and they will run when he stretched out his hand: and they will come into the city and take it, and they will hasten and set the city on fire.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he had lifted up his shield towards the city, the ambush that lay hid, rose up immediately: and going to the city, took it and set it on fire.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had lifted up the shield toward the city, the ambush, which lay hidden, rose up quickly. And advancing to the city, they seized it, and set it on fire.

New American Bible
and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose from their post, rushed in, captured the city, and immediately set it on fire.

New Revised Standard Version
As soon as he stretched out his hand, the troops in ambush rose quickly out of their place and rushed forward. They entered the city, took it, and at once set the city on fire.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the men in ambush arose quickly from their places, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand; and they entered into the city and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the ambush arose quickly from its place and they ran earnestly as he turned the hand and they entered to the city and they seized it, and they were fast and they burned the city in fire
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it; and they hastened and set the city on fire.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joshua stretched out his hand and his spear toward the city, and the ambuscade rose up quickly out of their place; and they came forth when he stretched out his hand; and they entered into the city, and took it; and they hasted and burnt the city with fire.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Conquest of Ai
18Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Hold out your battle lance toward Ai, for into your hand I will deliver the city.” So Joshua held out his battle lance toward Ai, 19and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire. 20When the men of Ai turned and looked back, the smoke of the city was rising into the sky. They could not escape in any direction, and the troops who had fled to the wilderness now became the pursuers.…

Cross References
Joshua 6:20
So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it.

Judges 20:37
The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.

2 Samuel 5:24
As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”

2 Kings 19:35
And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

1 Chronicles 14:15
As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”

Isaiah 37:36
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

Exodus 17:10-13
Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. / As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. / When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. ...

Numbers 31:3-7
So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them. / Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.” / So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war. ...

Deuteronomy 7:2
and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.

1 Samuel 15:3
Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

2 Chronicles 20:22-24
The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. / When the men of Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the vast army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped.

Matthew 24:15-16
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), / then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Luke 21:20-21
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.

Acts 13:19
And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.

Hebrews 11:30
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.


Treasury of Scripture

And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hurried and set the city on fire.

Joshua 8:6-8
(For they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them…

Jump to Previous
Ambush Capture Captured City Entered Hand Haste Hasted Hasten Hastened Hurried Position Quickly Ran Risen Rose Run Running Rushed Secret Soon Straight Stretched Stretching
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Ambush Capture Captured City Entered Hand Haste Hasted Hasten Hastened Hurried Position Quickly Ran Risen Rose Run Running Rushed Secret Soon Straight Stretched Stretching
Joshua 8
1. God encourages Joshua
3. The plan whereby Ai was taken
29. The king thereof is hanged
30. Joshua builds an altar
32. writes the law on stones
33. and pronounces the blessings and curses














And as soon as he stretched out his hand
This phrase signifies a pivotal moment of divine timing and obedience. The act of stretching out the hand is reminiscent of Moses stretching out his hand over the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21). In Hebrew, the word for "hand" is "yad," often symbolizing power and action. Joshua's action here is a signal of command, reflecting his role as a leader under God's direction. It underscores the importance of acting in God's timing, a theme prevalent throughout the Scriptures.

the men in ambush
The Hebrew term for "ambush" is "orev," which implies a strategic and hidden position. This tactic was divinely inspired, as God had instructed Joshua on this plan (Joshua 8:2). The use of an ambush highlights the wisdom and cunning that God can provide to His people, contrasting with the straightforward battle approach at Jericho. It serves as a reminder that God's strategies may differ from human expectations, requiring trust and faith in His guidance.

rose quickly from their position
The immediacy of their action, "rose quickly," indicates readiness and alertness. The Hebrew root "qum" for "rose" suggests an active response to a call or command. This reflects the preparedness and discipline of the Israelites, who were ready to act as soon as the signal was given. It is a testament to their faith and obedience, qualities that are essential for spiritual victory.

rushed forward
The phrase "rushed forward" conveys a sense of urgency and determination. The Hebrew word "ratz" for "rushed" implies a swift and decisive movement. This action demonstrates the courage and zeal of the Israelites, inspired by their confidence in God's promise of victory. It serves as an encouragement for believers to pursue God's purposes with fervor and commitment.

entered the city
This phrase marks the transition from strategy to conquest. The act of entering the city signifies taking possession of what God had promised. In the biblical narrative, cities often represent strongholds or areas of influence. The Israelites' entry into Ai symbolizes the breaking of enemy strongholds through divine intervention and obedience.

and captured it
The capture of the city is the fulfillment of God's promise to Joshua and the Israelites. The Hebrew word "lakad" for "captured" implies seizing or taking control. This victory is not just a military achievement but a spiritual triumph, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant. It reassures believers that God is faithful to fulfill His promises when His people act in obedience and faith.

They quickly set the city on fire
The act of setting the city on fire is both a literal and symbolic gesture. Fire in the Bible often represents purification and judgment. The quickness of this action, "quickly," emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of God's judgment against Ai. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of aligning with God's will. For believers, it is a call to allow God's refining fire to purify their lives, removing anything that stands against His purposes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and as soon as he did so,
כִּנְט֣וֹת (kin·ṭō·wṯ)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

the men in ambush
וְהָאוֹרֵ֡ב (wə·hā·’ō·w·rêḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 693: To lie in wait

rose
קָם֩ (qām)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

quickly
מְהֵרָ֨ה (mə·hê·rāh)
Adverb
Strong's 4120: A hurry, promptly

from their position.
מִמְּקוֹמ֤וֹ (mim·mə·qō·w·mōw)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

They rushed forward,
וַיָּר֙וּצוּ֙ (way·yā·rū·ṣū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7323: To run

entered
וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the city,
הָעִ֖יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

captured it,
וַֽיִּלְכְּד֑וּהָ (way·yil·kə·ḏū·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

and immediately
וַֽיְמַהֲר֔וּ (way·ma·hă·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4116: To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly

set it
הָעִ֖יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

on fire.
וַיַּצִּ֥יתוּ (way·yaṣ·ṣî·ṯū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3341: To burn, set on fire, to desolate


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OT History: Joshua 8:19 The ambush arose quickly out of their (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 8:18
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